Discussion paper: National Registration Framework for Building Practitioners

1. The adequacy of the proposed registration criteria for project managers (details on pages 160-161). From our experience many project managers, even though they can manage organisational stages of the project, have no idea of of any technical matters. Especially when such matters relate to remedial works

2. Considering what's taking place in the market place, I don't believe all engineers with 5 years of experience should be able to achieve AFQ level 8 status. Many with 5 years of experience had never designed or have been involved in construction of anything beyond Class 1 residential dwellings or Class 2 buildings under 3 storeys. It would give to reason to have sub-categories for engineers with 5 years of experience and associated ability to design, document and certify that plans comply with the NCC in an unrestricted capacity;

If a project manager is intended to carry out tasks associated with directing, controlling and coordinating design or construction of alteration to an existing building where the building is required to meet the requirements of the NCC, then proposed qualifications are insufficient.

Works involving remedial and alteration to existing buildings are by far more complex than new construction and require very specific knowledge and understanding of the building behaviour and its elements.

directing, controlling and coordinating design or construction of alteration to an existing building where the building is required to meet the requirements of the NCC

1. A degree in structural/civil engineering or a degree in Architecture

1. Minimum 6 years of experience in remedial/alteration works

Considering what's taking place in the market, I don't believe all engineers with 5 years of experience should be able to achieve AFQ level 8 status.

Many with 5 years of experience had never designed or have been involved in construction of anything beyond Class 1 residential dwellings or Class 2 buildings under 3 storeys. The vast majority have never been involved in the specific design and implementation of specialised works such as:
- remedial and diagnostic;
- demolition
- falsework (scaffold, formwork, shoring, etc
- waterproofing

It would give to reason to have sub-categories for engineers with 5 years of experience and associated ability to design, document and certify that plans comply with the NCC in an unrestricted capacity.

It is proposed that registration levels follow similar criteria that applies to building, architectural and fire design professionals.

- Class 1 residential dwellings or Class 2 buildings under 3 storeys.
- remedial and diagnostic;
- demolition
- falsework (scaffold, formwork, shoring, etc
- waterproofing

As presently specified

Minimum 6 years experience

We believe that minimum experience requirements for building surveyors should be 5 years with an additional specific training in waterproofing and fire engineering.